Liverpool-based diagnostics and in-clinic COVID-19 testing company DAM Health has joined forces with the Oliver King Foundation by backing its campaign to secure life-saving defibrillators in all schools in England.

The private medical testing firm, which is headquartered at The Spine building in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, sponsored a major political engagement event in the Houses of Parliament earlier this week (Tuesday 8 March 2022) to highlight the necessity of defibrillators in schools and backed calls for a change in legislation.

The Oliver King Foundation (OK Foundation) was established in 2012 following the tragic death of 12-year-old Oliver King. The King David High School pupil suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a school swimming lesson and his parents have been campaigning for a change in the law to make defibrillators mandatory in all schools ever since.

The parliamentary event was attended by representatives from DAM Health – which has boosted the OK Foundation’s efforts with financial sponsorship to help raise awareness of its campaign – and Oliver’s father Mark King, who spoke to MPs.

Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher, a longstanding supporter of the OK Foundation, also gave his support to the event which was attended by MPs and peers of all parties.

Following the event, Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education, has invited Mr King to a meeting in London next week to discuss the practicalities of a change in legislation.

Liam Spence, director of partnerships at DAM Health, says: “The support we’re giving to the Oliver King Foundation’s campaign for a change in legislation to make defibrillators mandatory in all schools is an important part of our CSR commitments and work to improve the health and well-being of people in communities.

“We are proud to partner with such an important charity, and to sponsor this political engagement event in parliament. We are firmly behind this campaign and will help them to do what we can to bring about a change in the law.”

Mark King, founder of the Oliver King Foundation, adds: “Our parliamentary showcase comes as we ramp up our campaign with all hands to the deck to make sure the government moves on this vital issue. I am pleased that some of Westminster’s renowned political figures turned out to signal their support.

“We will not give up and not give in until we see a defibrillator in every school across the country. I am incredibly grateful to DAM Health for their support.”

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